Summer 2026

Fireline Farm family: Sadie (the family dog) with Dominic and Krista Barsotti and kids Beck, Lucas (holding Peach the chicken), and Briggs at their River Road stand. W hile establishing Fireline Farm about five years ago, Dominic and Krista Barsotti knew they’d need to differentiate in a region rich with small producers. Along with farm-raised eggs and honey, they leaned into specialty crops like garlic, saffron, avocados and 25 types of citrus trees. “We’re really trying to bring diversity into everybody’s menu,” Dominic says. The couple also sells vegetables, herbs and flowers, plus preserves, candles and other hand- made goods at a River Road-area farm stand open weekly during the growing season and monthly in winter. And they’ve discovered unexpected demand for baking mixes inspired by Dominic’s 15-year seed saving hobby. Their wholesome cornbread and cookie mixes were originally devel- oped with his homegrown blue corn. “Those products have a farther reach than our neighborhood farm stand,” Krista says. “Hopefully, people see that good, real food doesn’t have to be hard to make.” The Barsottis are now creating a space for small dinners and youth programs. They’ve seen how nature benefits their own children. “You get out in the garden in the summer and they’re eating a cherry tomato off the vine. It’s like candy, and they love it,” Dominic says. “We want to help bring that back to families, reconnecting people with the world around us.” For farm stand schedules and baking mix orders, visit www.firelinefarm.com . Salinas Farmers Connect Customers With Fresh Food B Y R ENE E B R I NCK S SHORT CUTS NEIGHBORS 92 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 6 Photo: Kelli ULdall